Tracked Vehicle Frame with Lateral Access Cutouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracked vehicle frames make it difficult to access and assemble components, such as the engine configuration, due to lateral extensions that obstruct access and prolong assembly time.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle frame design with a wedge-shaped extension frame that allows easy access by ending laterally at the level of the track assemblies, enabling the cab to tilt open and providing a single sealing plane for efficient assembly and protection, while reducing assembly time and facilitating component installation before track assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the vehicle frame has lateral extensions for structural support, then the structural strength is improved, but the accessibility to internal components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidaccessibility to internal components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle frame is divided into modular sections with removable panels. The lateral extensions are segmented into fixed structural portions and removable access panels, allowing the structure to maintain strength while providing accessible entry points to internal components when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral extensions incorporate removable or movable panels that can be opened or detached. This dynamic feature allows the frame to transition between a closed protective state and an open accessible state, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and component accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the vehicle frame has complex structural portions for support, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is divided into standardized modular sections that can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple connection mechanisms. This segmentation maintains structural stability while dramatically reducing assembly complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Frame sections are pre-assembled and pre-positioned in the manufacturing process before final assembly. Critical structural portions are prepared in advance with pre-installed connection points, allowing rapid final assembly while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the vehicle frame extends laterally past the track assemblies, then the structural support is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral extensions are designed as separate, extractable components that can be attached or removed independently from the main frame structure. This allows the core frame to be assembled without the extensions, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural support when extensions are installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The main frame structure is assembled to completion before attaching the lateral extensions. This preliminary assembly of the core structure allows for easier manufacturing and assembly, with the extensions added as final structural enhancements that provide support without complicating the primary assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3347262B1Vehicle frame for a tracked vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 BAE SYSTEMS HAGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
  • EP3347262B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3347262B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3347262B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tracked amphibious vehicle having a vehicle frame (10) and a pair of track assemblies attachable to a respective side (10a, 10b) of said vehicle frame (10), said vehicle frame (10) being arranged to support a tilting vehicle cab and an engine configuration,said vehicle frame (10) comprising a pair of separated longitudinal wall elements (11, 12) extending in the longitudinal direction of the tracked vehicle and a bottom element (13) connecting said pair of longitudinal wall elements (11, 2) so as to form a space (S1) for supporting and housing said engine configuration, wherein said vehicle frame(10) comprises an extension frame 10 (14) and has a lateral extension so that no portion of the vehicle frame (10) extends laterally passed a respective track (30, 31) of said pair of track assemblies (30) so as to allow easy access to said space (S1).